An attack last week on a transgender woman in a popular Astoria diner is being investigated by the NYPD as a possible bias crime.

According to media reports, the woman was having a meal at the Neptune Diner on January 8, when she and her companion were hit with a plate by two women who had been making derogatory comments toward her.

Both victims were treated at Mount Sinai Queens.

Deputy Inspector Kevin Maloney of the 114th Precinct says the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident. You can follow the New York City Anti-Violence Project for further updates on the investigation.

Transgender and gender nonconforming people, particularly transgender women of color, face alarmingly high rates of violence and harassment because of their gender identity and gender presentation. Read guest posts from our recent Transgender Day of Remembrance blog series for more information on the adversities faced by the trans* community, words of empowerment, and resources for taking action.